I felt like I was at home at a church in Mombasa.
The church is called crossroads fellowship in Mombasa, Kenya. The church was almost like a mega-church in terms of churches that I have seen around the world. This church had at least 500 people in a big building with a coffee shop, full band, projectors, and yes they even had ceiling fans! I was amazed when I walked in because I have gotten used to going to churches that I was not used to. The churches that we have been attending have been small rooms without ventilation, and sometimes without electricity. This church didn’t treat us like we were celebrities like many of the churches do because we are white and I really appreciated that. We are not celebrities; we are just ordinary people who said yes to the calling that God has given us to “Go”. We are all sons and daughters of God.
As we walk into the sanctuary, they are playing a song that I recognize. This is odd because for the first time, we are in a church that speaks English (without and interpreter) and sings in English, it was even weirder that I recognized the song. I began to sing just like I would in the other churches that I have been to on the race but this time I could sing along and I knew the words. I began to cry as I sang along because I was praising God in my language. It is easy to smile, dance, and clap in a foreign church when you do not know the language but it is sometimes hard to truly worship when you can’t understand what is being said. I was crying uncontrollably through out a couple of the songs because I was in a real state of worship fully connected to God.
It was like I had not seen my best friend in a long time and I was reunited with him. I have gotten extremely close to God on the race but it is rare to have corporate worship in English on the race. I learned this week that I have a huge heart for the local church. The local church played a big part of who I am today. I am so glad that I got the chance to attend, volunteer, and even work in different local churches over the course of my life. I have seen how the local church can help point people towards Jesus, and this ultimately can change their lives. I love the local church and I just want to give a shout out to a few churches and pastors who have molded me.
OneEighty Church- You believed in a 22-year-old young man to lead the youth as the youth pastor. This was my first official job out of college and I am forever grateful for you giving me a chance.
Newspring- This church really showed me what it looks like to follow Jesus. I listen to the podcasts while I am out on the race and the messages the Pastor P gives challenging truth but it is always filled with grace, just how Jesus would preach.
Ken- I hope that you know that you have played a role in my walk with Christ. The way that you love people makes it evident that you follow Jesus. You are a great preacher and teacher. I also really appreciate that you are who you are and you don’t act different with different company. You have been a great example.
Papa Hawk- I know that your son and me have been best friends for a long time but that didn’t mean that you had to love me like a son. You always ask me how my walk with God is going and that shows me that you care for my spiritual health, which really means that you care for my eternity. Thanks for always challenging me.
Mom and Dad- You have been the best parents that I could ask for. You introduced me to Jesus at a young age and you continued to point me toward Jesus throughout life. You set a great example in your marriage and have blessed me with your love. You have also blessed me by raising me as an Auburn fan and an Atlanta fan and for that I thank you.
I have had a great time in Kenya so far, Manna Worldwide is an amazing organization. The teachers here are great with the children and they do devotions with them every single morning. The teachers have a great hope for the students and they expressed their dreams and vision with us. I am so blessed to have heard the dreams of the teachers and I am believing that God wants to see their dreams come true because their dreams are aligned with God’s calling to go and make disciples.
I still have some funds left to raise while I am out here so please be prayerful about supporting me with a financial donation!
